“What a seditious little house you have here, Mr. Sommer.” The major looked at Lilly curiously. “Why did you take it?”
“I wanted to read a couple pages”—Lilly glanced at Edith, who corroborated her story with a nod—“but I couldn’t stomach it any longer. I disposed of it before Ruth even cleaned our rooms.”
“You disposed of evidence?” The major’s face grew red with rage.
“There was no evidence.” Lilly shook her head. “It was nothing more than the foolish ramblings of a teenage girl.”
“You’re certain?” The major held his conclusion in reserve.
“The last entry was about the night of the pogroms,” Lilly lied. “The girl was too concerned about hiding their money.”
“That’s a Jew for you!” The major laughed. “Alright, then, I suppose I won’t need to take you for questioning…Ruth…but I will still be looking into these documents.”
“Of course.” Ruth sniffled as she rubbed her sore jaw.
“You know, this was actually quite fun.” The major extended his hand to Mr. Sommer who, after being slightly shocked by the gesture, shook it.
But before Mr. Sommer could let go, the major pulled him roughly towards him and clasped his free hand on Mr. Sommer’s cheek.
“You and I are one and the same,” the major began with his face uncomfortably close to Mr. Sommer’s.
“What do you mean?” Mr. Sommer tried to remain calm as he attempted to inch away.
“We both fought and bled for this country during the Great War.” The major tapped the medal pinned to his chest. “Where did you serve?”
“France.” Mr. Sommer swallowed.
“That’s fortunate.” The major backed away slowly, much to Mr. Sommer’s relief. “I fought in the Holy Land.”
“Is that right?” Mr. Sommer asked, and Lilly sensed that he was entirely sincere.
“Nothing holy about that place.” The major snickered. “At least not while I was stationed there. If there is a God, he didn’t much care that we tore each other to pieces right on his doorstep. You know, I was quite religious before that experience.”
Mr. Sommer didn’t reply as he waited for the major to continue. Lilly watched as everyone waited with bated breath in fear of what he might say next.
“My father intended for me to enter the priesthood”—the major grew reflective— “and I quite enjoyed the religious practices. When war broke out, I thought I’d do my duty. I lost my faith the day I stuck my bayonet through another Christian’s heart. His crucifix fell out of his shirt and dangled against the steel sticking out of his chest.”
The room remained silent with the tension thick about them.
“Anyways,” the major sighed, “why aren’t your daughters in the League of German Girls?”
“They elected for other youth groups,” Mr. Sommer replied quietly as he was immensely uncomfortable with the proximity of this evil man.
“They don’t know enough about the salvation that is the National Socialist Party.” The major broke off his embrace. “The other youth groups are illegal. Soon the League and the Hitler Youth will become compulsory. Tomorrow, I will enroll them for you. They are having orientation, and it would be a perfect time for them to start.”
Chapter Six:
The Fountain of Youth
“He alone who owns the youth gains the future.”
Adolf Hitler
“Your uniforms have arrived.” Mr. Sommer walked into the girls’ room and threw the uniforms down on the bed with revulsion.
“Wonderful!” Edith jumped up from the bed as she excitedly held the uniform up to her chest.
Scrunching up her nose in disgust, Lilly thought the uniforms were aesthetically inferior, and she even found herself wishing that she could wear the Hitler Youth uniforms instead. With a white shirt, a black neckerchief, a black skirt, and a tan jacket, they held little in the way of charm or appeal. The jacket, Lilly thought, was the worst addition with its sandy bronze, but she could overlook that fault if it weren’t for the patches on the arms. The left arm had a Nazi flag sown in the shape of a diamond. On the right arm was a symbol of a gold star and a white star on a blue background. Lilly wasn’t familiar with the latter symbol but assumed it had to do with the insignia of their group.
Glancing down at the powder-blue dress she was wearing, Lilly resented having to abandon it in favor of this blandness. Especially if Edith would be wearing the same outfit as, undoubtedly, all attention would be on her.
“Is this entirely necessary?” Lilly shook her head as she looked hopefully at her father.
“Unfortunately, yes, and you can thank your sister.” Mr. Sommer shifted his jaw as he took no pains in hiding his disappointment with Edith.
“Do you think the major will be there?” Edith asked, ignorant of her sister and father’s feelings, and Lilly wondered if she cared at all.
“I would caution you to stay away from him,” Mr. Sommer spoke sternly. “You’re going to a women’s camp, anyways, so if he is there, then it is entirely inappropriate.”
“I believe I’d like to speak with him further about the family that lived here.” Edith sat on the bed as she looked pensively at the sheets. “He has a good mind for that sort of thing.”
“It’s because he’s cruel.” Lilly stood as she went to investigate the uniform. What kind of man would kill an innocent family?
“He’s commanding!” Edith defended. “He owns whatever room he enters. It’s raw, it’s primal, and it’s everything I want to emulate.”
Glancing at her father, Lilly recognized that his thoughts were trailing hers, and she didn’t need to voice her opinion further. Yet, for all her aversion to Edith’s misplaced romanticism, Lilly began to feel a great sorrow. Edith was lost, and Lilly didn’t know how to rescue her.
“Just promise me that you’ll be safe.” Mr. Sommer looked intently at Lilly.
“Of course I will.” Lilly looked at him curiously. “The League of German Girls is for…well…girls.”
“That’s the intention, at least,” Mr. Sommer spoke softly.
“What do you mean?” Lilly asked as she grew concerned.
“Just know that I forgive you for whatever necessary undertakings are required to ensure you come back to me.” Mr. Sommer’s voice wavered as he looked at her with an apprehension that only increased Lilly’s anxiety.
“What could they possibly make us do?” Lilly’s eyes grew wide.
“Just come back to me.” Mr. Sommer leaned in and embraced her tightly. “That’s all that matters. Just come back.”
Clinging to her father, Lilly grew terrified for what was about to happen. What is he so afraid of? Lilly wondered. Can it really be that bad?
“Edith, come here.” Mr. Sommer waved, but when there was no answer, Lilly turned to see her still on the bed with her arms crossed and her lips pursed.
“Edith, please,” Mr. Sommer pressed as he grew annoyed.
“No.” Edith shook her head quickly.
“No?” Mr. Sommer stood back.
“You’ve been generous with your affection to Lilly, but you’ve neglected me.” Edith raised an eyebrow and spoke bitterly.
“Edith!” Lilly interjected. “You’re being rude!”
“Wake up, Lilly!” Edith barked. “He’s afraid of losing us, and he’s just now regretting his inattention.”
“How dare you speak to your father in that manner!” Mr. Sommer’s eyes bulged with indignation.
“Don’t worry, Papa.” Edith stood but remained with her arms crossed. “I’ll join the League and learn a skill. Then, in a year or so, I’ll be able to find my own employment, and you won’t have to worry about me any longer.”
“You believe that’s what I want?” Mr. Sommer threw his hands out in astonishment. “To have you out of my life? How could you even begin to consider such nonsense?”
“You’ve been pushing me away for years!” Edith pointed wildly at him.
“How
?!” Mr. Sommer grew animated.
“Because you love Lilly more than me!” Edith’s eyes welled as she scowled at her sister.
“That’s not true!” Lilly shot her head back in surprise at the allegation.
“Ever since Mother passed, he’s withdrawn from me, but not from you.” Edith wiped the tears away as they fell, and Mr. Sommer quietly and respectfully listened to Edith’s rant. “I needed you, Papa.”
“And I needed your mother!” Mr. Sommer shouted, and Lilly couldn’t recall a time when she had seen him so angry. “I did the best that I knew how when she left me alone with two girls. I’m sorry. I wish I knew what to say, but I’m afraid that I’m of little value in these situations.”
“But you’re our father!” Edith shouted back.
“And I don’t know how to deal with this!” Mr. Sommer’s voice broke, and neither Edith nor Lilly dared to say a word as he grew emotional. “I’m sorry, I truly am, and if I can’t handle life without her, then how am I supposed to instruct you?”
“Then why do you treat me differently?” Edith glanced at the floor.
“You’re right.” Mr. Sommer swallowed to clear the lump in his throat. “I shouldn’t have disregarded you. But please understand that there’s a wound in me, as I’m sure you feel as well, and it’s difficult for me to show affection.”
“But why are you so familiar with Lilly? What is it about me that you can’t stand?” Edith pressed.
“Because you’re identical to your mother!” Mr. Sommer drew his hands into fists as he resumed shouting.
Again, the room grew silent as neither Lilly nor Edith knew what to say. Lilly couldn’t comprehend what was causing her father to behave so candidly. He wants to make sure that he’s on good terms with us before we leave for the League, but why? It can’t be that dangerous, can it?
“Listen,” Mr. Sommer continued softly as he, also, studied the floor, “I know that I wronged you, but I found it hard to show you affection, and it pains me to know that I’ve hurt you. I don’t know how to heal, so instead, I pushed you away. But I’ve always kept you close in here.” He tapped his chest. “I may have behaved unequally in some respects, but in other respects, I favor you. Regardless, I still love you both the same.”
Again, the girls remained silent.
“So, please, don’t regret refusing your father an embrace.” Mr. Sommer waved to Edith again. “I don’t know what the future holds for any of us. We all know how quickly your mother was taken, and I don’t want you to look back on this day and regret it.”
Without a word, Edith relented and walked over to them as the three embraced.
Yet Lilly could feel that Edith’s touch was as light as possible, and she was merely appeasing her father. After a couple of seconds, Edith tried to break off, but Mr. Sommer held them tighter and placed his head between theirs as he squeezed his daughters.
Slowly, Lilly felt Edith’s embrace tighten as well, and she knew, at that moment, that their mother was with them. It was the same warmth she felt in the square when she was petrified, and her spirit felt at peace. She knew that no matter what happened, she would be alright. Everything would be alright.
A knock came to the front door, and Mr. Sommer broke off his embrace as he turned and walked briskly to his room before locking himself inside.
“I’m guessing that is our escort,” Lilly spoke, but when she turned to Edith, she saw the tears in her eyes.
“What have I done?” Edith sniffled.
“What do you mean?” Lilly frowned and placed a hand on her sister’s arm.
“I wanted to get back at Papa. I was jealous of your connection and that I don’t have a similar relationship with him.” Edith wiped away a tear. “I thought the major would make him angry or, truthfully, I don’t know. I just wanted to get back at him.”
“And now?” Lilly studied her sister.
“And now I’m entirely ashamed.” Edith closed her eyes. “I should’ve spoken with him.”
The knock came again, and louder.
“It’s not your fault.” Lilly placed her hands on Edith’s shoulders and felt, again, as close as a sister should. “Papa is the one who should’ve been open with you. That’s his place, not yours.”
“We should get going.” Edith picked up her uniform and began to walk down the stairs as Lilly trailed her.
“Do you think we can get out of this?” Lilly asked desperately.
“The major ordered it.” Edith shook her head. “There is nothing we can do.”
Opening the door, Edith and Lilly were both equally surprised to see Wilhelm standing in a new, more appropriate, Hitler Youth uniform.
“What on earth are you doing?” Lilly asked.
“I’m your escort.” He held his hands behind his back as he smiled.
“You? Really?” Lilly found it hard to believe.
“I’ve been reinstated as a leader,” Wilhelm explained. “I’ll be joining you.”
“That’s excellent news!” Lilly grew excited.
“Well, I’ll be in the boys’ camp, but I’ll still be close by.”
“That’s better than nothing.” Lilly smiled quickly.
“We should get going, though.” Wilhelm glanced at his watch. “We have a few more souls to collect, and tardiness is not accepted.”
“We’re ready when you are,” Edith replied, eager to depart.
“You’ll need to change first.” Wilhelm examined the girls.
“Can’t we change there?” Lilly asked.
“No, no.” Wilhelm shook his head quickly. “Believe me, there won’t be a moment to spare.”
◆◆◆
“I didn’t know that you owned a vehicle,” Lilly spoke to Wilhelm as she and Edith sat in the front with him while they drove. They had picked up three other girls as well who were now sitting in the back, and the company was heading to a facility in Frankfurt.
“I don’t,” Wilhelm scoffed and then patted the dashboard. “This belongs to the police, but they loan it out for Hitler Youth events.”
“Where did you learn to drive?” Edith leaned over Lilly and asked.
“My father, actually,” Wilhelm replied, but Lilly could sense that he was uncomfortable with bringing up the subject of his parents again.
“How much longer?” Lilly asked as she tried to shift the subject.
“We’re nearly there.”
“So, I’m still a little confused,” Lilly began. “I thought that the major wanted us to be enrolled into the League of German Girls?”
“Well, technically, you are.” Wilhelm shrugged. “It’s a branch of the League that was created earlier this year for older girls.”
“And it’s called the Belief and Beauty Society?” Edith frowned.
“Correct,” Wilhelm replied briskly, and Lilly sensed that he wasn’t being entirely upfront.
“Wilhelm,” Lilly whispered, “please, if there is anything you need to tell us, don’t hesitate.”
Glancing at Lilly and then at Edith, Wilhelm seemed to be debating whether he should divulge any information.
“I need to be prepared,” Lilly pressed.
With a sigh, Wilhelm looked in the rear-view mirror at the other girls in the back who were chattering giddily together.
“What do you see back there?” he asked them quietly.
“Girls?” Lilly shrugged. “They all seem to be our age.”
“What’s something they all have in common?” he continued.
“They’re all…gorgeous?” Edith glanced at Wilhelm, and he nodded back.
“I don’t understand.” Lilly frowned.
“What is one of the things that the Nazi Party has focused on, repeatedly?” Wilhelm asked.
“Stop unveiling the truth slowly!” Lilly grumbled. “Just tell us.”
“If you must.” Wilhelm shifted in his seat as he tried to get comfortable.
“Out with it!” Edith leaned over and landed a fist against his leg. The vehicle swerved as
he was startled by her reaction and the girls in the back screamed at the disturbance.
“Alright! Alright!” He scowled at Edith as he rubbed his wound, but not without a hint of fascination for how hard she could hit. “The Belief and Beauty Society’s goal is to prepare ideal women to be the next wives and mothers for Aryan men. They’ll prepare you for some sort of work so that you learn a skill all the while making sure you’ll be women of excellence to serve the Reich.”
Lilly went pale and, glancing at Edith, she could see that her sister also found the notion terrifying. Neither of them could say a word. Lilly had imagined that it would be akin to the League where she would be working or going to Nazi rallies, but to be prepped for only one purpose felt so hollow.
Taking out a cigarette, Wilhelm offered one to Lilly, but she refused. Edith, however, didn’t hesitate to snatch one from him under the stress of the new revelation.
“I really wish that you wouldn’t smoke.” Lilly covered her mouth as she looked at Wilhelm.
“Just at this moment?” Wilhelm squinted. “Or do you mean smoking in general?”
“It’s a terrible habit!” Lilly breathed through her mouth.
“You wish me to quit?” Wilhelm took a puff as he examined her.
“It’s the one thing that”—Lilly paused and looked over her shoulder to make sure the girls weren’t listening— “I agree with Hitler on.”
“Why should you be concerned about my well-being?” Wilhelm asked with a little grin on the corner of his mouth.
“I’m not.” Lilly lied as she downplayed her interest in him.
“That’s a shame.” Wilhelm took another puff. “I might’ve quit otherwise.”
“Don’t be coy!” Edith jabbed Lilly in the side with her elbow.
“Fine!” Lilly glared at Wilhelm before muttering, “I’m concerned about your well-being.”
“Why is that?” Wilhelm continued as he enjoyed the teasing.
“Does it matter?!” Lilly crossed her arms, not appreciating Wilhelm’s provoking.
“I suppose it doesn’t. I agree, I’ll quit.” Wilhelm looked at Lilly for a moment before tossing his cigarette out the window.
The Daughters of Marburg Page 10